The Donetsk People’s Militia told Russia Today that the Ukrainian Armed Forces shelled the Opera and Ballet Theater, where the funeral ceremony of Colonel Olga Kachura, who was killed in combat, was planned to be held.

“According to preliminary toll, five civilians were killed and six were wounded. The personal data of the victims are being established,” according to a message broadcast by Russia Today, which added that the attack was premeditated.

A RIA Novosti correspondent at the scene reported that the Russian anti-aircraft defense system was activated but it could not prevent at least two projectiles from hitting that cultural facility.

As a result of the air strike, the Donbass Palace Hotel, mainly occupied by journalists, was also bombed. All the people there were moved to the basement of the building.

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